Self-Care Guidelines
Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is a self-limited viral infection, so it only needs to be treated for bothersome symptoms. To reduce viral spreading, do not rupture blisters. The virus may be present in a person's stool for 1 month. Be careful to avoid passing the infection to other people by practicing good hygiene. Wash your hands and your child's hands frequently, particularly after using the bathroom or diaper changes and before eating.
Although most pregnant women who become infected with hand-foot-and-mouth disease have no symptoms or just a mild illness, a woman infected shortly before delivery could pass the infection to her baby, who may become very ill. Therefore, any infected child should avoid contact with pregnant women, particularly in late pregnancy.
You may choose to keep your child out of school or day care, but it is not clear this will prevent others from becoming infected, as the illness probably infected others before symptoms were noticed.
Acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or ibuprofen may be used for fever and pain. (Do not use aspirin for children under 12.)
Be sure your child drinks plenty of fluids to stay well hydrated. The child may tolerate cold milk products better than fruit juices.
When to Seek Medical Care
See your child's doctor if fever is present and is not brought down to normal by medication or if your child has a severe headache, stiff neck, irritability, reduced awareness (lethargy), or if he or she appears very ill.
Signs and Symptoms
